Template to assist the process of circular sewing embroidery and the like

ABSTRACT

A template ( 1 ) in the form of a thin disc is provided with segmental ( 3 ) and circular ( 4 ) markings, a central aperture ( 2 ), and apertures ( 5 ) which coincide with intersecting points on the markings enables centre point based positions to be plotted using the template ( 1 ) to assist in the process of circular sewing and embroidery.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to templates and devices for assisting theprocesses of circular sewing embroidery and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

The creation of regular sewing or embroidery patterns and designs isartful.

The process is assisted by the use of various types of patterns,templates, rulers and apparatus such as circular sewing attachments.

Whilst such apparatus and implements are helpful the production ofregular and consistent results is not always assured and the quality ofwork remains dependant upon operator skill.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a template to assistthe process of circular sewing and embroidery, which will enhance thequality and consistency of the craft.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided atemplate to assist the process of circular sewing and embroidery thetemplate comprising a disc-like body having a central aperture, radialand circular markings on the body which enable a centrepoint positionsfor circular, arcuate and other patterns to be marked on a workpiece.

The radial markings can be opposed positions.

The circular markings can be regularly spaced.

The template may be approximately thirteen inches in diameter.

Major radial markings can be provided at forty-five and sixty degreespacings in four segments of the body.

Additional radial markings can be provided between major markings.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of forming a pattern on fabric comprising the steps of;

-   -   (a) positioning a circular sewing attachment onto the arm of a        sewing machine adjacent the needle,    -   (b) marking a centre position on a work piece using the template        device as aforesaid,    -   (c) marking other strategic points on the workpiece,    -   (d) placing the workpiece on a pin of a circular sewing        attachment, adjusting the spacing of the pin relative to the        needle of the sewing machine, and    -   (e) sewing onto the workpiece to a desired design or pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which;

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a template device according to the presentinvention, and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical circular sewing attachment fora sewing machine as is known in the art, and

FIGS. 3 to 3 g illustrate typical markings on a workpiece which can bemade using the template device of the present invention.

With respect firstly to FIG. 1 of the drawings a template according tothe present invention may comprise a disc-like body 1 having a centralaperture 2 radial markings 3, 4 on or in the body 1 and a plurality ofapertures 5 in the body coinciding with intersecting points of themarkings on or in the body.

The radial markings can be regularly spaced.

The circular markings are be regularly spaced.

The template may be approximately twelve and one-half inches indiameter.

Major segmental markings 3 a, may occur at sixty and forty-five degreespacings.

Minor segmental markings 3 b may be provided between the major segmentalmarkings 3.

FIG. 2 of the drawings marked “known-art” illustrates a typical circularsewing attachment generally indicated by arrow 7.

The attachment 7 comprises a mounting member 8, a sliding arm 9, a lock10 for locking the arm.

The arm 9 mounts a centre plate 11 upon which is mounted a needle 12 andcentre cap 13.

After making the required markings on a workpiece using the template,including marking the centre position of a pattern via aperture 2 aworkpiece can be mounted on the needle 12 and the centre cap 13 placedon the needle.

Sewing can then be commenced guiding the workpiece circularly around thecentre cap.

FIGS. 3 to 3 g indicate various forms of patterns which can be markedusing the template, square, rectangular, triangular, circular,semi-circular, hexagonal, combinations of these shapes.

Thus the template can be used as a universal tool for many differentpatterns.

A major advantage of the present invention is that use of the templatewill provide for accurate and symmetrical sewing and embroidery in manyrepeated and varied patterns.

Furthermore, the present Invention provides for;

-   -   (a) location of the central points of arcs or circles,    -   (b) accurate positioning of machine and hand embroidery applique        and the like,    -   (c) It enables any shape to be marked for use in patchwork and        quilting by hand, machine or the like.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it will be appreciated that modifications and additions theretomay be made without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in theappended claims.

1. A template to assist the process of circular sewing and embroideryonto a workpiece, the template comprising a disc-like body having acentral aperture, a plurality of radial line markings and a plurality ofcircular line markings on the body, including a first category ofcircular line markings spaced apart in one inch increments from thecentral aperture and a second category of circular line markings spacedbetween the circular markings of the first category to mark ½ inchincrements, and a plurality of apertures in the body, each aperturecoinciding with an intersection point of the radial and circular linemarkings on the body which enable a centre point positions and guidepoint positions for circular, arcuate and other patterns to be marked ona workpiece.
 2. A template as claimed in claim 1 wherein the radial linemarkings are in opposed positions.
 3. A template as claimed in claim 1wherein the circular line markings are regularly spaced.
 4. A templateas claimed in claim 1 wherein the template is approximately twelve andone half inches in diameter.
 5. A template as claimed in claim 1 whereinmajor radial line markings are provided at forty-five and sixty degreespacings in four quadrants of the body.
 6. A template as claimed inclaim 5 wherein additional radial line markings are provided between themajor radial line markings.
 7. A method of sewing a pattern on fabriccomprising the steps of: (a) positioning a circular sewing attachmentonto the arm of a sewing machine adjacent the needle, (b) marking acentre position on a work piece using the template device as claimed inclaim 1, (c) marking other strategic points on the workpiece, (d)placing the workpiece on a pin of a circular sewing attachment,adjusting the spacing of the pin relative to the needle of the sewingmachine, and (e) sewing onto the workpiece to a desired design orpattern.
 8. A template as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circularmarkings of the first and second categories are visually different fromone another.
 9. A template as claimed in claim 1, further comprising athird category of circular line markings spaced between the circularline markings of the first and second categories to mark ¼ inchincrements.
 10. A template as claimed in claim 9, wherein the circularmarkings of the first, second and third categories are visuallydifferent from one another.